Is it

>! plinth?

My beginning is the first part of a type or an action.
For type, two is normal, some use more for different traction.

>! Ply, a type of toilet paper (typically 2 ply, can also be 1 or 3), also a verb (action).

My middle is the first part of a well-known abbreviation.
It's included in things from Zamboni to Aviation.

>! INC, short for incorporated. Zamboni and Aviation (gin) are both companies 

My ending is the first part of a very popular article.
To see it is simple, definitely larger than a particle.
>! The, the most common article in the English language. Not sure about the part about the particle though - perhaps simply because it's the longest particle, as noted by TCooper

So cleverly together, my pieces do raise.
Though first, I'm usually the last to get praise.
>! A plinth is a pedestal to hold up a statue. Presumably they are placed before the statue, but people don't typically notice the plinth as they are too busy looking at the statue.